Suddenly, I Am Rich

Gray stepped out of the elevator and walked down the quiet hallway toward his unit. It was already past seven, and he had just gotten home.

He exhaled loudly before unlocking the door of his unit and stepping inside.

The soft smell of something warm and savory immediately hit him.

”Welcome home,” Selina’s voice greeted him from the kitchen.

Gray looked up and found her standing by the counter, wearing one of his aprons that looked slightly too big on her. Her hair was tied loosely, and she was stirring something on the stove with one hand while holding a ladle in the other.

She turned toward him and smiled. ”You’re back.”

For a moment, Gray just stood there, a little caught off guard. The stress in his chest eased without him realizing it.

Selina put the ladle down and walked over to him, her expression a little gentle. Before he could even say a word, she wrapped her arms around him.

Gray blinked, then slowly returned the gesture, resting his chin lightly on her head.

”Did you have a rough day?” she murmured against his chest.

He gave a small hum in response, ”Something like that.”

When she pulled back, she looked up at him with a soft and curious smile. ”Were you busy today?”

”Yeah,” he admitted, loosening his tie as he smiled faintly. ”I attended some meetings, met with some people... you know how it goes.”

Selina nodded, studying him quietly for a moment.

”Then it’s a good thing I cooked.” She turned and pointed toward the dining table, where three plates were already set. ”I made something simple, some chicken teriyaki and soup. Lily’s in her room finishing her homework, but she promised she’ll come out once she’s done.”

”You didn’t have to go through all that trouble.” Gray’s eyes softened as he followed her gaze.

”It’s not trouble,” she said, smiling again. ”You looked like you needed a proper meal lately. And... I like cooking for you two. Also, it’s not like I do this every day.”

That last line came out almost shyly. Selina quickly turned her head to the side before he could tease her for it. She pouted and took a step back to go back to where she was cooking to turn off the heat and plate it.

”You’re starting to sound like you live here already.” Gray chuckled under his breath.

Selina lightly laughed at that. ”Hey, I just live next door.”

”Right...”

He leaned against the counter, watching her quietly. For the first time that day, the heaviness in his chest faded.

”Thanks, Selina,” he said quietly.

She looked up, blinking. ”For what?”

”For being here.”

Her lips curved into a soft smile.

”You’re welcome, Gray,” she said softly.

Just as Selina was setting down the last plate, a door creaked open down the hall.

”Woah! It smells so good here!” Lily’s loud enthusiastic voice rang out. She was bright and full of energy. She walked over in her house slippers, her hair slightly messy from hours of studying.

”I could smell it from my room!”

Selina laughed, setting the plate aside. ”Perfect timing, Lily. Our dinner’s ready already.”

”Yay!” Lily grinned and quickly sat down at the table. She was already clasping her hands together as she stared at the food. ”Whoa, Sister Selina! This looks amazing! Did you really cook all this yourself?”

”Of course, I did. But your brother gets the first bite, so I can see if I did well.” Selina nodded proudly before wiggling her eyes jokingly at the young girl.

Gray raised an eyebrow but smiled faintly, ”It feels like I’m being tested now.”

”You are,” Selina raised her brow. ”Go on, try it.”

Gray picked up his fork and took a bite of the chicken teriyaki. The flavor was warm and balanced, just the right mix of savory and sweet. He looked up at her with a small approving nod.

”It’s perfect.”

”Good. I was worried it might’ve been too salty.” Selina’s face brightened at the compliment.

Lily quickly started eating too, her grin widening after the first bite. ”This is so good, Sister! I wish you cooked more often!”

”I will, when I’m not busy, Lily.”

With it, the room was soon filled with the sound of laughter. The three of them ate together comfortably, the atmosphere easy and warm.

”So,” Selina said as she poured Lily a bit more soup, ”how was school today?”

Lily’s face brightened up instantly. ”It was fun! Oh! And I made a new friend!”

Gray, who was sipping his water, looked up.

”Oh? What’s her name?”

”His name’s Ethan.” Lily grinned.

”...His?” Gray froze mid-sip. Slowly, he lowered his glass and turned to face Lily.

Lily blinked innocently. ”Yeah! He’s my new friend, brother! He just transferred this week, and he’s really funny. He helped me carry my art stuff after class.”

”You’re not allowed to have male friends.” Gray’s brow furrowed slightly.

Lily nearly choked on her food. ”What?! Why not?”

Selina let out a small laugh from beside them, covering her mouth with her hand. ”Gray, come on,” she said teasingly. ”She’s just a kid. Don’t tell me you’re already being the overprotective brother.”

”I’m not being overprotective,” Gray replied, crossing his arms. ”I’m being cautious.”

”Ethan’s nice! He even said hi to me when she saw us walking!” Lily pouted, her cheeks puffing out.

Selina chuckled, shaking her head. ”See? He sounds polite.”

Gray looked between the two of them, then sighed in defeat. ”Fine. But I’m meeting this Ethan someday.”

Lily’s eyes lit up mischievously. ”You’ll like him, brother. He’s really tall!”

”That doesn’t help.” Gray groaned.

Gray pinched the bridge of his nose, trying not to sound too strict. ”But don’t be too close to him, alright?” he said firmly.

Lily frowned, stabbing her chicken with her fork. ”Why not, Brother?”

”Because I said so.” Gray gave her a flat look.

”That’s not a reason!” she shot back, puffing her cheeks again.

Selina laughed softly beside them, resting her chin on her hand. ”Gray, she’s in middle school, not getting married,” she teased.

”That’s exactly when it starts.” He worried..